Ken Gray Obituary

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. (AP) - Former U.S. Rep. Ken Gray, who represented southern Illinois in Congress and earned the nickname the "Prince of Pork" for bringing $7 billion in projects to his district, died Saturday at age 89.

Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort said Sunday that Gray died at a hospital in Herrin after a long illness. Gray was first elected to Congress in 1954 and served ten terms until high blood pressure forced him to retire in 1974. He returned to Congress in 1984 to serve two terms but retired again, citing a muscular disorder caused by a tick bite during a congressional visit to Brazil.

Gray, a Democrat, was a colorful figure during his time in Washington. He was known for bringing federal projects to his depressed district, including a federal prison, an interstate highway, post offices and hospitals.

"They call Rend Lake pork," Gray said in a 2008 interview with The Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale. "Yet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, six years ago when there was tremendous flooding, said that because of Rend Lake holding the water back, more than $100 million worth of property downstream was saved. If that is pork, pass me the plate, because I'll take another heaping serving."

In 2008, a portion of Interstate 57 in southern Illinois was named the "Ken Gray Expressway." Gray had helped write the Interstate Highway Act that President Dwight Eisenhower signed in 1956.

A state of Illinois news release announcing the expressway naming at the time said Gray brought seven presidents to southern Illinois. The statement said Gray "was known for his flamboyant wardrobe, humor, amicability and a fierce passion for bringing federal funds to southern Illinois."

That Washington wardrobe included brocade and shocking pink jackets.

"I was surrounded by 434 undertakers," he told the newspaper. "Everyone was dressed the same, in a black suit with a dark tie. Now, I got into this business to break the political mold. I wanted to stand out."

Gray was born in the Franklin County town of West Frankfort in 1924. He graduated from Frankfort High School and served during World War II, becoming a pilot.

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. (AP) - Former U.S. Rep. Ken Gray, who represented southern Illinois in Congress and earned the nickname the "Prince of Pork" for bringing $7 billion in projects to his district, died Saturday at age 89.

Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort said Sunday that Gray died at a hospital in Herrin after a long illness. Gray was first elected to Congress in 1954 and served ten terms until high blood pressure forced him to retire in 1974. He returned to Congress in 1984 to serve two terms but retired again, citing a muscular disorder caused by a tick bite during a congressional visit to Brazil.

Gray, a Democrat, was a colorful figure during his time in Washington. He was known for bringing federal projects to his depressed district, including a federal prison, an interstate highway, post offices and hospitals.

"They call Rend Lake pork," Gray said in a 2008 interview with The Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale. "Yet the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, six years ago when there was tremendous flooding, said that because of Rend Lake holding the water back, more than $100 million worth of property downstream was saved. If that is pork, pass me the plate, because I'll take another heaping serving."

In 2008, a portion of Interstate 57 in southern Illinois was named the "Ken Gray Expressway." Gray had helped write the Interstate Highway Act that President Dwight Eisenhower signed in 1956.

A state of Illinois news release announcing the expressway naming at the time said Gray brought seven presidents to southern Illinois. The statement said Gray "was known for his flamboyant wardrobe, humor, amicability and a fierce passion for bringing federal funds to southern Illinois."

That Washington wardrobe included brocade and shocking pink jackets.

"I was surrounded by 434 undertakers," he told the newspaper. "Everyone was dressed the same, in a black suit with a dark tie. Now, I got into this business to break the political mold. I wanted to stand out."

Gray was born in the Franklin County town of West Frankfort in 1924. He graduated from Frankfort High School and served during World War II, becoming a pilot.

Guest Book Highlights

"With deepest sympathy to the Gray family. My family and I wish to express our condolences to your family. We know that this is a difficult time, so may the many prayers offered on your behalf be comforting to you."- Walker (GA)

"Come to his Aid Oh Saints of God. Send Angels now to lead him home. Receive his Soul Most Holy One. Present him now to God Most High! For we have truly lost a brother and friend.How fortunate am I to have celebrated my Birthday with him at the Book..."- Patti Tooley (West Frankfort, IL)

"Sorry to hear of the death of a politician who truly cared about the needs of the people whom he served. After all, is that not what government is designed to do. May the creator and restorer of life bless Ken Gray to see his will done on earth as..." (FL)

Other obituaries

Published in Daily American News from July 14 to July 15, 2014

Congressman Kenneth J. Gray, 89, of West Frankfort passed away at 11:29 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 in the Herrin Hospital. He was born November 14, 1924 in West Frankfort to Thomas and Anna (Reed)...
Read Obituary